WHO calls for probe of GlaxoSmithKline's swine flu vaccine after reports of narcolepsy

The World Health Organisation (WHO) has called for further investigations
after more than 12 countries reported cases of narcolepsy in children and
adolescents using GlaxoSmithKline's swine flu vaccine.

A study in Finland suggested that children were nine times more likely to suffer from narcolepsy after taking PandemrixPhoto: Reuters

5:17PM GMT 08 Feb 2011

Narcolepsy is a rare sleep disorder that causes a person to fall asleep suddenly and unexpectedly.

The WHO statement on Tuesday follows a study in Finland that suggested children were nine times more likely to suffer the disorder after taking Pandemrix.

The vaccine remains fully available and the WHO said an increased risk of narcolepsy has never been previously connected to a vaccine. It said the cases were more frequent in Sweden, Finland and Iceland and the issue does not appear to be a "worldwide phenomenon".

A GSK spokesman said: "GSK is reviewing the Finnish report and believes it would be premature to draw any conclusions."